Friends First sponsors famous La Touche Cross Country race at Punchestown

Friends First are delighted to announce our sponsorship of the famous La Touche Cross Country race at the upcoming Punchestown Festival, which takes place from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April 2017. As one of the oldest life assurance companies in Ireland, we are proud to be associated with a race that demonstrates such endurance and skill. Friends First have been providing financial solutions for our customers for over 180 years.

The €30,000 Friends First La Touche Cup will take place on day three of the Festival, Thursday April 27th and is one of the most famous races on the Irish jump racing calendar. The four mile one furlong stamina test incorporates 35 jumping efforts over a combination of natural obstacles such as laurel hedges, drop banks and traditional steeplechase fences. Despite being one of the longest races on the jumps racing circuit the Friends First La Touche often produces the most thrilling close finishes.

Speaking about the new sponsorship, Brian O’Neill, Marketing Director with Friends First commented “Friends are delighted to be a part of this prestigious festival and in particular to be involved with the historic and famous Friends First La Touche Cup which we look forward to with anticipation. Congratulations to all those involved with the festival and best of luck to the trainers, jockeys and their teams.”

Fame surrounds this historic race where the most notorious obstacle on the track is Ruby’s Double Bank named after the champion jockey’s late grandfather Ruby Walsh Senior. Probably the most famous winning connection in the race was former James Bond actor Sean Connery who was involved with seven times winner of the Friends First La Touche, Risk of Thunder.

Janet Creighton, Head of Sponsorship and Sales at Punchestown said “The Friends First La Touche Cross Country race is embedded in the history and heritage of Punchestown. Friends First company origins go right back to 1834 so it’s fair to say both companies come together with very strong foundations. It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Friends First and we look forward to introducing them to one of the highlights on the Irish social and sporting calendar”.

1 prize of 2 tickets to the Punchestown racing festival to be used on any day of the 2017 festival will be awarded to the winner. Cash will not be substituted.

All correct entries will be entered into a draw for the prize. Winners will be announced on Twitter on the 26th April 2017. One entry per person. No purchase necessary. Prize winners will be randomly drawn from all correct entries. Prizes are as stated. All entrants are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.

Friends First Life Assurance Company dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.